Page 41 of Tides of Resistance
The courageous wireless operators worked with a permanent target on their backs. They supported Resistance networks and moved about after they transmitted, to avoid detection until their luck ran out and the Germans swooped down on them after monitoring the airwaves and determining their location.
Although SOE agents had carried out remarkable operations, by now most of the early networks had been compromised or dismantled.
Lizzie sighed. It was soul-destroying, and part of the reason she had been based at home for such a long period. It was simply becoming too dangerous to be effective as the Germans grew more familiar with their tactics and more proficient at uncovering and infiltrating their cells.
They had a lot to learn, and the members of the networks she and Jack had set up in France were never far from her thoughts and prayers. During the past few months, almost every day at Baker Street brought fresh news of betrayals, security breaches and arrests across occupied Europe in all the SOE country sections, not only F section.
Charles called upstairs to Lizzie, and she joined him in his office, where he had laid out the developed survey photographs across his large wooden desk.
Lizzie studied them closely, and a surge of optimism renewed her spirits. ‘They are really very good.’
‘They are indeed. If you wish to act as my assistant again, you are always welcome.’
Possibilities raced through Lizzie’s mind, and she said casually. ‘Thank you. What else have they commissioned as part of your survey work?’
Charles dropped his voice to a whisper. ‘You’re here to assess the fortifications for the Allies, aren’t you?’
Lizzie paused and then nodded. There was no point in denying the obvious when her uncle was positioned to assist her, and their goals were aligned. ‘London needs to know what the Boche are cooking up for their new Atlantic Wall strategy.’
Charles’s eyes were solemn. ‘I suppose it’s too late to warn you of the lunacy of what you’re doing?’
Lizzie smiled wryly. ‘You suppose right. I won’t tell you more than you need to know, but let’s just say I’m already in up to my neck.’
‘And your father knows you are here?’
‘He does. He’s the only one in the family who does—well, until now, that is.’
‘Your secret is safe with me,’ Charles said. ‘Now what do you need and what can I do to help?’
Aunt Giselle brought them coffee before leaving to join Sophie at the bookshop, and they studied the angles of the photographs and discussed potential avenues for Charles to appear to be helping the Nazis, whilst hindering the project in favour of an Allied invasion. He sketched out plans for Lizzie of what he surmised the Germans had in mind for the fortification of St. Malo.
‘It’s early days. I've only had one meeting with them so far, and this was my first surveyance trip, but it looks like they’re going to pour enormous resources into this, and they’re keen to begin.’
‘When is your next meeting with them?’ Lizzie asked.
‘I should hear soon. They requisitioned the mansion of a British family who got out just in time, and now they’re lording it up, using the house as their HQ. The top dog of the fortification project is based there. I’ve yet to meet him, and I can’t say I’m keen from what I’ve heard.’
‘Do you know his name?’ Lizzie asked, thinking she could include it in her radio transmission once she got set up. This wascutting-edge intelligence, which would inform the SOE exactly who they were up against, and they could study their style of military operation.
Charles screwed up his forehead as he thought. ‘Yes, his name is Heinrich Adler. Means Eagle in German. He’s quite the charming tyrant by all accounts.’
‘Anything else you know about him?’ asked Lizzie, thankful to be able to talk openly with her uncle.
‘I believe he is SS and is in charge of Civil Administration.’ Charles’s eyes narrowed as he spoke. He said he would listen out for anything that might be of interest. ‘My German is basic at best. I can glean the latest information from the other French surveyors, but I’m lost as soon as the Germans discuss details.’
Lizzie wondered if she might risk attending a meeting if the opportunity presented itself. The idea of venturing into the belly of the beast made her heart thud, but it could be her chance to listen in on Germany’s fortification plans.
‘Now I think of it, there’s one other thing,’ Charles said, as he arranged the photographs and tidied his papers.
There was something about the way he spoke that told Lizzie this would be more than a casual remark. ‘Yes?’ she said.
‘There have been more ships bound for Jersey recently, and a few of us remarked on it, but until the meeting I thought it was just the Germans flexing their muscles about holding British territory.’
‘And now?’ Lizzie prompted.
‘I think they’re planning something big for Jersey as part of the strategy.’
‘We have to find out,’ she said. ‘What could it mean for Nan and Pops?’
